Working Group Report on - Haryana Kisan Ayog

procuring natural carp seed from various riverine resources both within and outsidethe State and their maintenance up to maturation for subsequent breedingprograms.The developmental aspects include supplying farmers at least 10 cm size seed tostock in grow out ponds. If it is difficult to transport bigger size seed, the farmersshould be encouraged to rear the fry up to fingerling stage in small rearing pondsfollowing a cluster approach wherein network of seed growers caters to the seeddemand. Some Government and private farms are to be identified in differentregions of the state for the development of brood stock and to produce quality seed.The grow-out farmers should be linked with seed producers. A committee may beformed at the State level to prepare guidelines for maintaining seed quality andcertification.Aqua FeedIn aquaculture feed contributes more than 50% of the total recurring cost. Therefore,it is essential to develop cost effective feed with locally available ingredientsparticularly when the demand grows as new areas are brought under fish farming.However, no feed plants are available in the State as of now. Hence, feedmanufacturing units need to be established in the State to meet local demand.Initially cattle feed manufacturing entrepreneurs may be encouraged to startmanufacturing of fish feed with additional attachment for making pellets. Fish feedmanufacturers should be encouraged by providing subsidy. Large scale fish farmersmay be encouraged to establish mini-feed plants by providing subsidy.The researchable issues are studying the nutritional aspects of locally availableingredients and formulation of nutritionally balanced feeds for various fish species,and testing the efficiency of locally prepared formulated feeds on various species.Diversification of Aquaculture Practices through new candidate speciesAquaculture in the State, as elsewhere in India, is still dominated by culture of Indianmajor Carps. The productivity has not been improving while the profitability isdeclining due to increasing input costs and almost stable market prices. In order toprovide more profitable options for farmers, species diversification is very essential.( 36 )